Slow First Half and Foul Trouble Ends in Defeat for Firebirds

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -The University of the District of Columbia's women's basketball team fell to Roberts Wesleyan, 66-82 in a conference match up, Monday afternoon at the Voller Athletic Center. The Firebirds fell  to 4-3 in league play while the RedHawks improved to 2-6. 

Latavia Jackson led all scorers with 29 points, her second highest scoring game of the season and sixth one scoring over 21 points. Destiny Ryles was the only other scorer in the double-figures for the Firebirds with 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Tori Williams and Aiyana Ellis each pulled a game high eight rebounds. Jackson, Williams and Ellis each fouled out in the second half of the game. 

UDC struggled offensively from tip-off, with the RedHawks holding them to just eight points  while posting 15. RWU continued to keep the Firebird offense in check opening a 16 point lead before going into half-time.

The fourth quarter proved to be the best quarter offensively for the Firebirds, as they outscored Roberts Wesleyan 25-19, despite losing three key players to foul trouble. Despite their fight they weren't able to close the deficit and the RedHawks walked away with the 16 point win. 

The RedHawks shot at 43.6% while holding the Firebirds to 33.8%. The home team also out rebounded the visitors 41-33, and got more work done in the paint 34-23. UDC managed to convert more points off turnovers 16-13 but the RedHawks bench was a big factor contributing 28 points compared to the Firebirds 14. 

Next Up, UDC (9-9, 4-3 ECC) is back at home on Saturday, hosting the current number one team in the ECC rankings, Daemen University. Tip-off is set for 1:00 PM in the E.B Henderson Sports Complex Gymnasium.